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Nursing Homes in Michigan
Michigan is one of the most populous states in the nation with nearly 9.9 million residents, and 17.7% of Michiganders — about 1.7 million people — are aged 65 or older. To meet the needs of this large senior population, Michigan is home to many nursing homes and health care facilities. Several of the state’s hospitals, including University of Michigan Hospitals – Michigan Medicine and Beaumont Hospital – Royal Oak, are nationally ranked in geriatrics by U.S. News and World Report.
Nursing homes provide room and board, supervision and round-the-clock access to skilled nursing care. In Michigan, care in a semiprivate room costs an average of $8,973 per month, according to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey. For seniors who opt for a private room, the average price tag is slightly higher at $9,733 per month.
This guide provides an overview of nursing home care in Michigan, including the cost of care, financial assistance options and laws that govern nursing homes, as well as some helpful resources for frail seniors and their caregivers.
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Michigan
Michigan is a relatively expensive state for nursing home care, according to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey. Nationally, the average monthly cost of nursing home care is $7,756, while the Michigan average is nearly 16% higher at $8,973. Care costs are slightly lower in neighboring Wisconsin ($8,684), while in other states that border Michigan, prices are even lower. Ohio’s average cost is about 20% lower than Michigan’s at $7,148 per month. Indiana’s $7,133 per month is about the same as Ohio, while in nearby Illinois, nursing home care costs just $6,235 per month.
Seniors may face widely different nursing home costs, depending on which Michigan city they reside in. The Kalamazoo area has the state’s highest nursing home prices at $10,159 per month. Care costs are slightly lower in Ann Arbor and Flint, where seniors pay $9,429 and $9,353, respectively. To the west in Grand Rapids, nursing home care costs $9,178. State capital Lansing’s cost is the same as the Michigan average, while in Detroit, nursing home costs are slightly lower at $8,821 monthly. Up in Saginaw, nursing homes charge an average of $8,441 per month. In the southern Michigan city of Battle Creek, seniors pay the state’s lowest monthly prices — a comparatively affordable $7,908.
Kalamazoo
$10159
Ann Arbor
$9429
Flint
$9353
Grand Rapids
$9178
Lansing
$8973
Detroit
$8821
Saginaw
$8441
Battle Creek
$7908
In addition to nursing home care, Michigan’s long-term care options include in-home care, home health care, adult day care and assisted living care. Adult day care, which provides daytime care at a community-based center, has the lowest monthly cost at $2,080 per month. Seniors who choose to receive care in their own homes pay $4,576 per month, on average, and $4,767 monthly if they require in-home medical care. Assisted living care, at $4,200 per month, is less than half the cost of nursing care. This lower price reflects the less extensive care provided in these settings.
In-Home Care
$4576
Home Health Care
$4767
Adult Day Care
$2080
Assisted Living Facility
$4200
Nursing Home Care
$8973
Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Michigan?
Yes, there are over 2,766,000 residents of Michigan enrolled in Medicaid and receiving assistance with the cost of accommodations and meals, in addition to rehabilitation therapies and other skilled services. Medicaid beneficiaries also get coverage for medical equipment and assistive devices.
With over 360 nursing homes throughout the state, there are numerous choices for Medicaid beneficiaries needing a higher level of care than is offered in assisted living communities. Michigan’s Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) can help caregivers and seniors with care coordination and support while staying in a long-term care community, including a nursing home. Seniors may also benefit from HCBS waivers, such as MI Choices Waiver, which provides skilled nursing care in the comfort of their home or in a residential care community.
Medicaid Eligibility in Michigan
To be considered eligible for Medicaid, individuals must meet the income level requirement and need 24-hour skilled nursing care. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services handles Medicaid screening and application processing.
Both a single applicant and married couple can earn $2,742 monthly with $2,000 in asset limits. The exception to this is for married couples who are both applying for Medicaid, then the asset limit is $1,000 more.
2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Michigan
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $2,000 | |
| Two Person | 1 | $32,904** | $2,000 | $148,680 |
| Two Person | 2 | $65,808*** | $3,000 |
*Except for a $60/mo. personal needs allowance, Medicare premiums and possibly a spousal income allowance for a non-applicant spouse, all of a recipient's monthly income must be put toward the cost of nursing home care.
**Income limit is for applicant only.
***Income is limited to $2,742 per month per spouse.
In addition to income, there are many factors to determine Medicaid eligibility. In some cases, an applicant can “spend down” their income if they meet the other requirements. Other qualifications include:
- Citizenship status
- Proof of residence
- Medically needy
- Proof of resources (bank statements and Social Security Income)
How to Apply for Medicaid in Michigan
The application process can begin in person at a local MDHHS office or over the phone with a representative. There’s also an online portal, MI Bridges, that accepts Medicaid and Medicare applications. The health care coverage hotline, (855) 276-4627, is available in English and Spanish. Additionally, a PDF of the paper application can be found on the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services website and dropped off at a local MDHHS office. The MDHHS website also includes an information booklet further explaining program policies and the application process.
Information You Will Need:
- Copy of birth certificate
- Proof of citizenship, if not born in the US
- Income from earned and unearned sources
- Proof of real properties, including those sold or transferred within two months of the application date
- Car registration and insurance documents
- Medicare care and any other insurance cards, such as life insurance
- VA discharge papers (DD 214), for veteran applicants
- Any wills and trusts, in addition to other documents that can support the applicant’s claim
Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Michigan
The following free resources can help seniors find programs and services that work alongside Medicaid. There are also resources, such as Medicaid Planning Assistance, that can help individuals understand how Medicaid works and what it covers, in addition to helping seniors apply for Medicaid.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan’s Aging & Disability Resource Collaboration (ADRC) | (877) 664-2233 | Also known as the No Wrong Door System, the Aging & Disability Resource Collaboration (ADRC) works with the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to give seniors the resources they need regardless of which organization they go to. Seniors and caregivers can contact a representative to get one-on-one advice regarding their long-term care options. |
| Medicaid Planning Assistance | Online Only | Provided by the American Council on Aging, the Medicaid Planning Assistance website not only helps seniors and their loved ones determine their eligibility, along with learning about different planning strategies, such as how to plan for moving out of state or what to do in the event of a divorce while using Medicaid coverage. The program can assist individuals whether they're looking for a public case manager or for resources to educate themselves. |
| Benefits.gov | (866) 762-2237 | Benefits.gov is a website offering a variety of tools to help individuals find social services and programs, including health care, with the option to browse by category or agency. Seniors and their caregivers can use the SSA Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool to determine their eligibility for benefits found on the website. |
Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Michigan?
Medicare provides limited coverage for short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay, but seniors must meet a number of specific requirements. This benefit is available to beneficiaries who have been hospitalized for at least three days, excluding the date of discharge, so it’s most valuable for those who are recovering from an injury, illness or surgery.
Once seniors meet the hospitalization requirement, Medicare will pay for up to 100 days of skilled nursing per benefit period. The first 20 days are covered in full. Starting on day 21, beneficiaries must pay a daily coinsurance rate. After day 100, seniors are responsible for the entire cost.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare covers a number of specific services, including:
- Meals
- A semiprivate room
- Medications
- Skilled nursing
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Audiologist care
- Medical supplies
- Medical social services
- Nutritional counseling
- Ambulance transportation
What Isn’t Covered by Medicare?
Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care that addresses seniors’ day-to-day needs. This includes help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and using medical equipment.
For more information about Medicare and when it covers Nursing Home Care, read our Guide to Nursing Homes.
Medicare Support and Resources in Michigan
Medicare may only cover some medical expenses and doesn’t replace long-term care insurance, but it does cover short-term care, so it’s a good place to start. Fortunately, there are trained volunteers that can help seniors and their loved ones find financial assistance, in addition to helping them apply for and understand Medicare coverage.
| Program | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP) | (800) 803-7174 | The state Medicare program, MMAP helps beneficiaries better understand their coverage options. Seniors and caregivers can find assistance with filing a claim or appealing the denial of a claim. Counselors can explain the basics of each Medicare Part, in addition to determining their eligibility for financial assistance to cover costs for assistive devices and prescription medications. |
| Medicare.gov | (800) 633-4227 | Medicare is a federal program designed to cover the cost of healthcare for seniors throughout the United States. In addition to offering a 24-hour chat feature, the website provides an outline of the basics and supplemental coverage options, such as MediGap. The website also has information regarding how Medicare covers specific medical conditions, as well as routine check-ups. |
| Benefits CheckUp | (800) 794-6559 | Benefits CheckUp is a nationwide benefits resource library that allows users to search by category or eligibility. This allows seniors and loved ones to look for local and state-wide resources based on their ZIP code and find resources they may have otherwise missed. These resources can include tax relief and health care programs to help cover medical expenses. |
Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Michigan
While Medicaid and Medicare are two of the most common programs used to pay for Nursing Home Care, there are other financial assistance options available, depending on your unique situation.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn more and apply online at va.gov. | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for nursing care. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for skilled nursing care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Michigan
There are many resources in Michigan that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Area Agencies on Aging | In Michigan, Area Agencies on Aging offers services to seniors that help them maintain a high quality of life. Seniors can get connected to local services, including nutritional programs, transportation services, support groups and health and wellness activities. The Agency advocates for older adults through committees and councils that fight for legislation protecting seniors from elder abuse and fraud. Seniors and caregivers can also learn more about health and wellness through classes and events run by AAAs. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Michigan provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
| Michigan State Emergency Relief Program | 517-241-3740 | The State Emergency Relief Program may provide emergency assistance for low-income households who experience sudden and unexpected temporary hardship. Help may be through direct service provision or financial aid to assist with a variety of emergency needs, such as heating or utility bills and vital home maintenance. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Michigan seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Health Link Program | 517-241-3740 | The Michigan Health Link Program is a managed care program for qualifying seniors who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. Services may be provided at home or in an assisted living facility and may include medical care, help with daily activities, accessibility adaptations, medical equipment and supplies, meal delivery, adult day care and transportation. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Michigan seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Meals on Wheels | Michigan Meals on Wheels is a food assistance program that's part of a 5,000+ member nationwide network. Eligibility is open to seniors ages 60 and over, with meals served locally in a congregate setting or delivered daily to the resident's home if they're immobile. Those who get their meals delivered also receive friendly visits with safety checks to monitor their risk for falls, emergencies or other accidents. Meals are served on a sliding-fee scale based on income. | |
| Michigan Senior Project FRESH | Michigan's Senior Project FRESH is a food-assistance program that strives to help eligible Michigan residents age 60 and older eat healthier. This income-based program offers free nutrition education for recipients, along with coupons that seniors can exchange for program-specific fresh, healthy foods at local roadside stands and farmers' markets. Senior Project FRESH runs from May 1 through October 31 each year, with coupon-distribution sites located in each of the state's counties. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
Michigan seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan RX Card | The Michigan RX Card is the state's prescription assistance program. Available to all residents and free to obtain, the card entitles holders to significant discounts on prescription medications at participating pharmacies. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Michigan have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Section 504 Home Repair Program | The Section 504 Home Repair Program may provide grants to low-income seniors to remove health and safety risks from the home. The maximum grant is $10,000, and seniors must live in an area covered by the program. | |
| Michigan Weatherization Assistance Program | The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low income homeowners and renters save money on utility bills by making their homes more energy-efficient. Free services are provided by Community Action Agencies and nonprofit organizations and may include home insulation and ventilation. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Michigan seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Elder Law of Michigan | 866-400-9164 | Elder Law of Michigan is a nonprofit organization that provides seniors with legal help. Its services include pension counseling, benefits counseling, financial legal advice and help in elder abuse cases. |
| Michigan Elder Abuse Hotline | 800-996-6228 | Available through the Department of the Attorney General, the Elder Abuse Hotline offers an easy and convenient way to report signs of elder abuse, whether it occurred in a private residence or a residential care facility. An enforcement officer or other employee of the office works to resolve the complaint and provides safe housing for the senior while the complaint is being investigated. |
| Michigan Lakeshore Legal Aid | Michigan Lakeshore Legal Aid supports senior state residents with free law advice. Areas covered include probate law, guardianships, public benefits — such as Medicaid and Social Security, consumer scams and financial elder abuse. The organization has 12 locations in the Southeast Michigan area, all of which are open for walk-in service Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Seniors can also call MLLA's legal helpline between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on most weekdays. | |
| Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | 866-485-9393 | The Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the rights and welfare of seniors living in licensed nursing homes and other senior living communities. Funded by the federal and state governments, the program provides ombudsman services to seniors, including concerns with care, residents' rights and quality of life. Services are free, and ombudsmen act on cases with confidentiality. The program also supports the passage of laws beneficial to the state's long-term care residents. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Michigan help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Association — Greater Michigan Chapter | 800-272-3900 | In addition to the 24-hour helpline, the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association has a wide range of services and programs for seniors and their caregivers, including social engagement programs and professional training curriculums. Care counselors can create a person-centered long-term care plan for individuals with memory loss and other cognitive issues. Support groups are available via Zoom for seniors with early-stage or young-onset symptoms along with support groups for Spanish speakers. |
| Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The Alzheimer's Association works with seniors who are living with dementia, helping them access local resources and services that can provide them with memory support and cognitive therapy. Additionally, this organization offers caregiver training and support groups for both seniors and caregivers. |
| Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center | 734-936-8803 | Part of a University of Michigan initiative, the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center conducts memory research and education, as well as wellness and clinical care. Support groups for those experiencing mild cognitive impairment are provided, as are ongoing research studies that include memory training studies, medication trials, lifestyle intervention studies and more. |
Medicaid Resources
Navigating the Medicaid system is often difficult and confusing. Several Michigan resources help older adults by providing advice on Medicaid options, waiver programs and eligibility criteria to help seniors receive the right health care benefits.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Medicaid MI Choice Waiver Program | Michigan's MI Choice Waiver Program allows qualifying seniors to receive care at home or in an assisted living community rather than a nursing home. The program aims to delay or prevent admission into an institutional care setting. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Michigan help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Michigan resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Summer Tax Deferment | 248-524-3333 | Michigan's Summer Tax Deferment allows seniors to push back the due date of summer taxes to February 14, providing additional time to streamline their budgets. Seniors are eligible for the deferment if they're aged 62 or older and their household income doesn't exceed $40,000 a year. To qualify, seniors must complete an application and submit their previous year's Homestead Property Tax Credit Form to the City Treasurer's Office by September 15. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Michigan retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Energy Assistance Program and Home Heating Credit | The program's purpose is to provide assistance to low-income households in Michigan who may be struggling to cover the costs of their energy supply, such as electricity, gas and other fuels. In addition to developing an affordable payment plan to prevent energy suppliers from cutting off access to their services, the program also educates applicants about managing their energy sources more efficiently and cost-effectively. Home Heating Credit is a program aimed at helping low-income families pay some of their winter heating bills. Those who want to apply must do so before September 30. |
Veteran's Services
Michigan retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan VA Benefits and Health Care | Michigan VA Benefits and Health Care services are specially designed to help senior veterans in the state access the services for which they are eligible. The department has offices throughout the state, including VA Medical Centers in Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit, Iron Mountain, and Saginaw, as well as a regional benefits office in Detroit. The office offers regular events to inform and celebrate veterans. Additional benefits include life insurance, home loans, and compensation for in-home health and wellness services. |
Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Michigan
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Licensing Requirements | Michigan requires licensing for all nursing homes, and licenses must be renewed annually. Nursing homes must be relicensed if they change their name, ownership or bed capacity. |
| Staffing Requirements | Nursing homes must employ a director of nursing who plans all residents’ nursing care. Michigan law requires all nursing homes to have at least one licensed nurse on staff at all times and to comply with the following patient-to-nursing personnel staffing ratios:8:1 during the morning shift12:1 during the afternoon shift15:1 during the nighttime shiftNursing staff are limited to providing nursing care and services to residents. Except in emergency situations, they aren’t allowed to provide meal preparation or other basic services. |
| Staff Training Requirements | A nursing home’s director of nursing must be a registered nurse with either experience or training in the field of aging care. The facility is responsible for verifying the licenses of all registered nurses and licensed practical nurses on staff. Unlicensed nursing staff must have appropriate education and training. |
| Admission Restrictions | Nursing homes aren’t required to admit residents they aren’t equipped to care for, such as people who require special medical treatments or have certain communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis. |
| Care Planning Requirements | Nursing home residents have the right to a care plan that aims to maintain their physical abilities and mental well-being. Residents can be involved in the creation of the care plan and have the right to advance notice about any changes to the plan. |
| Dietary and Nutritional Services Requirements | Nursing homes are required to provide nutritious meals. Residents with special dietary needs have the right to request modifications. |
| Specialized Rehabilitative Services | Generally, Michigan’s nursing homes aren’t required to provide specialized rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational and speech therapy. However, if a rehabilitation center is included in a facility’s name, it must offer these services. |
| Medication and Pharmaceutical Services | Residents’ doctors are responsible for prescribing medical treatments, and nursing staff can administer drugs based on these orders. With approval from the home’s nursing staff, residents can handle their own medications. |
| Activities Requirements | In Michigan, nursing homes aren’t required to provide an activities program. However, residents have the right to pursue activities that interest them, including activities outside the nursing home. During visiting hours, which must last for at least eight hours every day, residents have the right to socialize privately with their guests. |
| Infection Control Requirements | Nursing homes are expected to follow infection control practices to protect residents’ health. These practices include cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, proper hand hygiene and appropriate use of personal protective equipment. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Michigan Medicaid covers nursing home care for individuals who are deemed medically eligible and meet financial requirements. Through a waiver program, Medicaid also covers nursing facility level care that seniors receive at home. |
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